16 things you should never buy new

Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Think used. U.S. News & World Report has compiled a list of 16 things you should never buy new.

Books -- Buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. Conditions usually range from good to like-new.

Cars -- In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. But be sure to have a trusted mechanic check it out first.

CDs & DVDs -- Used DVDs and CDs will play like new, as long as they were well taken care of.

Craft Supplies -- Rather than buy new, join a craft swap with other crafty people to trade art supplies with.

Consumer Electronics -- Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they’ll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested and then resold at a lower price.

Games & Toys --Find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or ask neighbors, friends and family to trade used toys.

Gardening Supplies -- Look outdoors to find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden tools are also good yard sale finds.

Hand Tools -- Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made and well-maintained.

Ikea Furniture -- Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle?

Maternity & Baby Clothes -- Maternity clothes don’t get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown.

Office Furniture -- Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. And with the recession shutting down so many businesses, great deals abound.

Pets -- Adopt a "pre-owned" pet from a local animal shelter and get a new family member, with fees and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.

Special Occasion & Holiday Clothing -- Most people take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet cast-outs are your savings.

Sports Equipment -- When sports equipment ends up on the resale market, it tends to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used gear through Craigslist or at yard sales or sports-equipment stores.

Video Games -- Kids get tired of video games quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date.